In Pikmin 2, the feature-packed sequel to Nintendo's original Pikmin adventure (famously inspired by Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto's back garden), players can once more enjoy the earthly delights of germination. Captain Olimar, the astronaut hero of the original game, makes a welcome return and sets about clearing some bad debts with the aid of the titular Pikmin, which grow from the soil when planted. In microcosm, this is a strategy game, but there's more to it than that: although there are strategic and puzzle elements, the overriding theme is one of action, which makes for an equally exciting and challenging game. Two-player modes are new additions in Pikmin 2, and these arrive in both cooperative and versus varieties. The use of a split-screen here works particularly well. Throw in a few extra flavours of Pikmin (white and purple complement the original's spectrum of characters) and Olimar's new, playable sidekick Louie, and you have a complete and thorough sequel to a modern classic. --Jonti Davies

Features:- Captain Olimar's company has gone bankrupt, and to save it, he'll return to Pikmin and dig up the buried treasure across the surface!- Alternate control between the main characters as you defeat enemies preventing you from reaching the treasure- Help the Captain and his assistant propagate new Pikmin and collect precious doodads, while solving challenging puzzles- No time limit, new colors, and new two-player coop mode for better gameplay